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April 2007
from
www.CustomCabins.com
14663 Vosburgh Rd. Ely, Minnesota 55731
email:
info@customcabins.com
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It was April 8, 2007 when we hooked up 10 dogs so they could
do their last run of the season. Bobby Olivia, a local sled
dog runner, runs Alaskan sled dogs on both day and extended
over night, or longer, trips. These dogs, unlike Paul
Riegert’s short haired sprint dogs, have to be able to endure
cold nights in sheltered areas but without straw and their
doggie houses. Bob’s dogs weigh about 50 pounds, are bigger
framed, and have long heavier fuzzy coats. Whereas Paul’s dogs
are trained for speed and much shorted distances, these dogs
are trained to pace themselves at slower speeds for loner
trips.
Bobby unloaded, harnessed, and hooked up the dogs for our run
to Prairie Portage. When we left the public landing, the skies
were perfectly blue, the sun was brilliant, and the
temperature was 11 degrees with winds from the north about 10
mph-definitely nippy. The dogs were barking, and anxious to be
able to do what they like best-run.
Off we went like horses out of a starting gate down the lake
toward the falls. Remember, we are above the Laurentian
divide. That means that the rivers and lakes run north instead
of the usual south. When we came to the narrows at the north
end of Moose Lake, rather than going through the narrows, we
went up an embankment around the area. Oh, did we mention the
narrows, which are very shallow, were totally void of ice.
On we went down Newfound and turned into Sucker Lake. We noted
the huge rock that marks the turn was mostly well above water
and the shallow water around it was open. While, we did not
see any eagles in what we call the “eagle tree”, we are sure
they will return for the summer season.
When we got near the Prairie Portage Falls, we tied the dog
team a safe distance away from the open water and inspected
the falls from the Canadian side. We saw a few Golden Eyes
(ducks) and one lone goose. Sorry, the birds were faster than
the photographers.
As one can see from the pictures, the water was open just
about from the warning buoys to the dam. We walked the falls
and took, what we think, were some great pictures. It was
interesting to note, that although the water levels were
remarkably low for this time of the year, the ice sculptures
on the rocks and downed logs were quite picturesque.
At the bottom of the falls, one can see how truly low the
water is. The building in the background is the cabin on the
American side that shelters the crew when they are on duty to
ferry boats around the falls.
On the way back, Bobby insisted that Betsy drive the team.
When dogs are on the return trip, they always know the way,
and the trip is usually faster. All Betsy had to do was to
stay on the runners of the sled and hang on while the dogs did
the rest.
Not much is happening in the fish world at this time of year.
The Northern Pike are starting to spawn, while the rest of the
fish-bass and walleye are basically dormant. Ice fishing is
open on only the border lakes, and of course pan fish-crappie,
perch, and bluegill are always in season.
Because of our cold temperatures, the ice has not yet gone off
of the lakes, and it doesn’t look as though it will be leaving
soon. Bobby estimated that the ice at about 25-30 inches. We
know that many of you follow our web cam at
www.customcabins.com. We would encourage you to follow it
carefully for about the next week and a half to two weeks.
After the snow and frost leave the ice will appear to turn
dark. Then it will turn light, and then black again. It is
then that the ice will go out. Depending on the weather, the
ice will either just melt away, or if there are winds, the ice
has a tendency to go with a “bang” breaking up into big chunks
and piling up along the shore lines. Stay tuned.
We look forward to opening our doors to all of you next month
for another fun filled summer of fishing. rips.
Custom Cabin Rentals
14663 Vosburgh Rd.
Ely, Minnesota 55731
218-365-6947 or 1-800-235-6947
www.CustomCabins.com |